Designing a Flexible Spec Suite to Attract Tenants
In the heart of Chicago’s downtown core, Willis Tower stands as one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. To help attract new tenants and strengthen the Tower’s position as a premier workplace destination, HED was tasked with designing a new spec suite that could showcase flexibility, adaptability, and a heightened tenant experience.
Occupying a full floor of the tower, the suite was conceived around a “kit of parts” design philosophy. Conferencing, collaboration, open office, and focus areas are integrated into a seamless layout that can be easily adapted to suit the evolving needs of a wide range of tenants. Flexibility was paramount—each area was designed to accommodate multiple methods of working, from private phone booths and huddle spaces to large conference rooms and open collaboration areas.
The design eliminated internal corridors, relocating huddle and focus rooms to the core. This move opened the floorplate, maximizing access to natural light and panoramic views of the Chicago skyline. The result is an environment that feels expansive, transparent, and welcoming, drawing tenants toward the perimeter where workspaces and community areas are bathed in daylight.
To encourage employees back into the office, the suite pulls inspiration from community and hospitality design. A café and open collaboration zones sit at the heart of the plan, while glass walls and open sight lines create a sense of connection across the floor. These features lend the workplace the feel of a social hub as much as an office, balancing productivity with engagement.
By blending flexibility with hospitality-driven design, the Willis Tower spec suite sets a new standard for tenant-ready environments. It demonstrates how thoughtful planning and design can transform a blank floorplate into an adaptable, light-filled space that not only meets the practical needs of tenants but also delivers a sense of community, experience, and connection to the city beyond.
